Homemade granola bars are not only delicious but also healthier and more cost-effective than store-bought versions. You control the ingredients, so there are no preservatives or unnecessary sugars. They’re naturally gluten-free (if using certified oats), and you can adapt them for various dietary needs. Best of all, they take minimal effort and time to make, and they store beautifully for days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Rolled oats
Honey or maple syrup
Nut butter (such as peanut butter or almond butter)
Chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
Dried fruit (such as cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates)
Mini chocolate chips (optional)
Vanilla extract
Salt
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a square baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and salt.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter. Stir until melted and well combined.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is coated. Let it cool slightly if adding chocolate chips to prevent melting.
Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or your hands.
Bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until lightly golden. For a no-bake version, skip the oven and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 12 bars. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15–20 minutes Cooling time: 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on method)
Variations
Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter and seeds like pumpkin or sunflower instead of nuts.
Vegan: Choose maple syrup and vegan chocolate chips.
Protein-Packed: Add a scoop of protein powder or some hemp seeds.
Chocolate Lover’s: Stir in cocoa powder or add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.
Tropical: Use dried pineapple, coconut flakes, and macadamia nuts.
Spiced: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of cardamom for warmth.
Storage/Reheating
Store granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying. These bars don’t require reheating but taste great cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
How do I keep my granola bars from falling apart?
Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan and use enough sticky ingredients like honey and nut butter to bind everything together.
Can I make these granola bars without baking?
Yes, simply chill the pressed mixture in the fridge for a few hours instead of baking. They’ll hold together just as well when chilled.
Are these granola bars gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, these bars are naturally gluten-free.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the honey or maple syrup slightly, but doing so may affect how well the bars stick together. You might need to adjust the nut butter accordingly.
What kind of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats work best. Avoid quick oats as they can make the bars too soft, and steel-cut oats are too hard for this recipe.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
No, fresh fruit adds moisture and can cause the bars to spoil quickly. Stick with dried fruit for best results.
How long do granola bars last?
At room temperature, they last up to 5 days. In the fridge, they stay fresh for about 2 weeks, and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Absolutely! Kids can help measure, mix, and press the mixture into the pan. It’s a great hands-on recipe for families.
What’s the best way to cut them without crumbling?
Use a sharp knife and let the bars cool completely before slicing. Chilling them first can also make cutting easier.
Can I make this recipe nut-free for school snacks?
Yes, substitute the nut butter with seed butter like sunflower seed butter and use seeds in place of nuts.
Conclusion
These favorite homemade granola bars are a go-to snack for good reason: they’re simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you bake them or keep them raw, enjoy them on busy mornings, outdoor adventures, or as a wholesome treat anytime. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to store-bought bars again.
These Favorite Homemade Granola Bars are chewy, nutty, and naturally sweetened—perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast on-the-go. Easy to make, customizable, and packed with wholesome ingredients, they’re a family favorite.
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup nut butter (peanut butter or almond butter)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
1/3 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates)
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the oats, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and salt.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together the honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter, stirring until smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until fully coated. Let cool slightly before adding chocolate chips.
Fold in chocolate chips (if using).
Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or your hands.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until lightly golden. For a no-bake version, chill in the fridge for 2 hours instead of baking.
Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
Use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter and pumpkin or sunflower seeds.To make it vegan, use maple syrup and vegan chocolate chips.Add protein powder, hemp seeds, or chia seeds for extra nutrition.Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a decadent touch.
